Saint Edward State Park

A 326-acre day-use park with more than a half mile of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. Enjoy a hike, contemplative stroll, trail run, mountain bike adventure, or quiet picnic on grounds of a former Catholic seminary.

getting there

driving

From SR-522 in Kenmore, turn south onto 68th Ave NE, and continue 1.8 miles after it becomes Juanita Dr. Turn right onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

From I-405 near Bellevue and Kirkland, take Exit 20A off of I-405, turn left NE 116th St, and drive west 1.4 miles. Continue straight onto Juanita Dr for 3.9 miles. Turn left onto NE 145th St, staying right at the fork and follow the signs to the park.

transit

King Country Metro Route 234 stops near the northeast corner of the park.

about the park

from Washington State Parks

Amidst the sprawling grounds, lapping lakeshore and verdant footpaths, you'll find a place steeped in Northwest history. The large brick building was the first successful Catholic seminary in the Pacific Northwest and the first accredited Catholic seminary university in the United States. Envisioned and financed by Seattle's first bishop, Edward O'Dea, and designed by famed architect John Graham, the remarkable edifice was constructed in 1931 and served students until 1976.

form Craig Romano, Urban Trails Eastside

Saint Edwards State Park contains the largest undeveloped stretch of shoreline on Lake Washington. A former Ctholic seminary, this lovely hilltop and lakeside retreat contains historic Romanesque buildings and more than 9 miles of trails. Hike or run down lush ravines and up forest ed ridges and hillsides. And stroll along more than 3,000 feet of wild Lake Washington shoreline—one of the many blessings this popular park has to offer.

Notes

  • There is no watercraft launch at the park, but paddlers launching from other parts of Lake Washington may land on the beach.
  • With Saint Edward, Big Finn Hill, McDonald Preserve & O.O. Denny so close to each other, this makes for a 7.5 mile round trip trail run.

Information for Leaders

scheduling

  • If you are scheduling this as a non-course related activity, please limit your group size to the recommended party size. The maximum party size is for use by course field trips only, and includes both students and instructors. Group size maximums do not reflect how course field trips are run (in smaller groups of students and instructors), but allow for course leaders to register the course in our system.
  • This route/place allow multiple bookings to accommodate morning and afternoon sections of our programs. Please be sure that no activities schedule here overlap.
  • If you are scheduling a course field trip, please contact our Member Services Team to confirm the field trip and any permitting regulations.

permits

  • The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 
  • Suitable Activities: Bikepacking, Day Hiking, Trail Running, Urban Adventure
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
  • Length: 7.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,300 ft
  • 360 ft
Map
14445 Juanita Drive NE Kenmore, WA 98028
  • St. Edward State Park
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Day Hike - Saint Edward State Park

Day Hiking Trip
This is a conditioning hike at Saint Edwards State Park. We will trek down to
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sun, Dec 3, 2023
No Prerequisites
1 participant 0 leaders
Registration closed Nov 27
Foothills Branch

Urban Walk - Saint Edward State Park

Urban Walking Trip
Enjoy a mindful outdoor experience on this leisurely walk that may help you develop more
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Mon, Dec 11, 2023
No Prerequisites
3 participants on waitlist 0 leaders
Registration closes Dec 9
Foothills Branch
Lori Heath

December Winter Conditioning Runs: 4-6 miles - Saint Edward State Park

Trail Running Field trip: Winter Trail Running Conditioning Series
Winter Trail Running Conditioning Course runs from 4-6 miles. You will need to complete 2
Difficulty: Easy
Wed, Dec 13, 2023
No Prerequisites
0 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Dec 11
Foothills Branch
Andy Cahn
Qualified Youth Leader

Urban Walk - Saint Edward State Park

Urban Walking Trip
Enjoy a mindful outdoor experience on a leisurely walk that may help you develop more
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Tue, Jan 2, 2024
No Prerequisites
2 participants 0 leaders
Registration closes Dec 28
Foothills Branch
Lori Heath

January Winter Conditioning Runs: 5-7 miles - Saint Edward State Park

Trail Running Field trip: Winter Trail Running Conditioning Series
Winter Trail Running Conditioning Course runs from 5-7 miles. You will need to complete 2
Difficulty: Easy
Thu, Jan 18, 2024
No Prerequisites
6 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Dec 15; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Laetitia Gerard

GoHike - Alumni Urban Walk - Saint Edward State Park

Urban Walking Field trip: GoHike: Alumni Course
Join us for a lovely walk in the forest and along Lake Washington. We may
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Fri, Jan 19, 2024
Prerequisites
6 participants 1 instructor
Registration opens Jan 2; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Wendy West

GoHike - Alumni Urban Walk - Saint Edward State Park

Urban Walking Field trip: GoHike: Alumni Course
GoHike Urban Walks are outings of at least two miles or longer that take place
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Sat, Jan 27, 2024
Prerequisites
6 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Dec 30; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Shelly Dearmon

February Winter Conditioning Run: 6+ miles - Saint Edward, Big Finn Hill, McDonald Preserve & O.O. Denny

Trail Running Field trip: Winter Trail Running Conditioning Series
Winter Trail Running Conditioning Course runs from 6+ miles. You will need to complete 2
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Wed, Feb 7, 2024
No Prerequisites
7 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Jan 15; Instructor registration open now
Foothills Branch
Andy Cahn
Qualified Youth Leader
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Saint Edward, Big Finn Hill, McDonald Preserve & O.O. Denny
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.